IIf you’re looking for a book, a party, a delicious dinner or simply a long afternoon spent at an exotic bar watching Cape Town pass you by, then you need to be on Long Street, a place where music, food and fun are serious business.

London has SoHo; New Orleans, the French Quarter; and Cape Town has Long Street.

BBy day, most of Long Street is abuzz with coffee bars, exotic restaurants, legendary bookshops, African craft markets and backpackers' lodges. You’ll see a fun mix of travellers, breakfasting locals, shoppers and morning joggers all absorbing the vibe of this brilliant social centre.

IIn the early afternoon, you’ll see the bars start to fill up with a mishmash of regulars and young adventurers coming out of their backpackers’ for a stroll down the street. But don’t worry, the police are always around to keep you safe. That’s why there’s such a relaxed feel to walking Long Street.

If you’re a fan of old architecture, Long Street will keep you busy for days. Let’s take the Victorian-styled Carnival Court for instance, this used to be where the young toffs of Cape Town would keep their apartments. From a wrought-iron balcony, you can watch the world go by up and down Long Street.

Long Street, Cape Town

LLong Street’s buildings, its Victorian follies and intricate ironwork, have been mostly well-kept, because a number of preservation societies, heritage groups and architects constantly protect these structures from the wrecking ball. In fact, many of the buildings have been restored over the years.

The evening vibe of Long Street is, and always has been, a party you’ll never forget. From sundowner time until the early AM, the restaurants, bars and late-night clubs are all about keeping the party going!

TThe evening vibe of Long Street is, and always has been, a party you’ll never forget. From sundowner time until the early AM, the restaurants, bars and late-night clubs are all about keeping the party going!

The street has all kinds of private decks, balconies, rooftop lounges and other vantage points where exclusive parties are held. On street level, pavement dining in summer (October to April) is what it’s all about. And the barmen of Long Street have become famous for their skills with exotic cocktails.

In fact, when Cape Town wants to celebrate something…anything, Long Street is always the first thought.